New Brockton animal control officer Tony Bloodsworth may avoid an animal cruelty trial after his testimony in a previous trial brought new evidence to light, District Attorney Tom Anderson said Tuesday.
Bloodsworth was scheduled for trial last week after the conclusion of New Brockton Mayor Lenwood Herron’s trail on the same charge, second-degree cruelty to a dog or cat. Herron was convicted Jan. 11 on the charge, which stemmed from five dogs being found in poor conditions at New Brockton’s animal shelter last May.
Bloodsworth’s testimony revealed new evidence the prosecution was unaware of, and the state is working out terms for a pre-trial diversion program with Bloodsworth’s lawyer Joe Sawyer, Anderson said.
“(Bloodsworth) testified willingly, knowing that anything could be used against him,” Anderson said. “During the testimony, we saw some of the lengths he went to to take care of those dogs. He actually expended some of his own money.”
During the trial, Bloodsworth said he directly reported to Herron, and he asked Herron for food for the dogs between five and 12 times, to no avail. Bloodsworth also warned Herron that one of the dogs was hurting the others, to which Herron said he would handle it, The Enterprise Ledger reported last week.
With that testimony, Anderson said the issue of whether Bloodsworth should have been charged was raised.
If terms are agreed upon, Bloodsworth will be placed in the pre-trial diversion program, similar to probation, for two years. If he successfully completes the program, he will be adjudicated not guilty, and the state will drop the charge against him.
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